Synthesis 2022; 54(04): 864-886
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1706052
special topic
Cycloadditions – Established and Novel Trends – in Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Nobel Prize Awarded to Otto Diels and Kurt Alder

Allenes in Diels–Alder Cycloadditions

Henning Hopf
a   Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
,
Michael S. Sherburn
b   Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Australian Research Council (DP160104322)


Dedicated to the memory of Klaus Hafner

Abstract

For a long time, allenes—and cumulenic systems in general—played a relatively minor role in Diels–Alder cycloadditions. This situation has changed, since allenes are more readily available and as their unique stereochemical features in [4+2]cycloadditions are more widely recognized. This review presents a comprehensive overview of allenes in Diels–Alder processes using selected examples. Allenes in dienes, dienophiles and cycloadducts are covered, inter- and intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloadditions are discussed, and stereochemical features of the addition process are described. Areas of emerging importance are also covered, including allenic components in dehydro-Diels–Alder processes, and dendralenic allenes in Diels–Alder sequences for the rapid generation of target-relevant molecular complexity. Preparatively useful methods for allenic precursor synthesis are also discussed.

1 Introduction

2 Allenic Dienes

2.1 Vinylallenes

2.2 Bisallenes

2.3 Cross-conjugated Allenes

3 Allenic Dienophiles

4 Intramolecular Diels–Alder Cycloadditions

5 Allenic Cycloadducts

6 Conclusions and Outlook



Publication History

Received: 18 May 2021

Accepted after revision: 16 June 2021

Article published online:
04 August 2021

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